When to Stop Driving

Next Steps: When to Stop Driving

Dealing with Young Onset (also known as Early Onset) Alzheimer’s presents many challenges, but the loss of driving is particularly frustrating. Unless you live in an urban area with public transportation, driving means independence and freedom. Having to give up this ability naturally will impact your live in a number of ways.

You should start by discussing driving issues with your family and your physician on a regular basis. Planning for this situation in advance can help things go smoother.

Information and insights for understanding driving issues

• You’re encouraged to read At the Crossroads: A Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving, by the Hartford Insurance Company. This resource can help you and your family determine when it is time to stop driving. It can be read here, or downloaded to, and printed from, your computer.

• Another helpful article is When Should Mom Give Up the Car Keys? in Emory Health Magazine. It can be accessed here. Other resources are also listed on that page.

• You can also read Work-Related Travel in an Era of Extended Employment, a research article offered by AARP’s Public Policy Institute. Although not specifically about driving issues for those with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s, it may provide some interesting insights. You can find it here.

• Visit the Georgia Older Driver’s Task Force here for more information on statewide initiatives. Although the focus is on older drivers, you’ll find that much of the information also applies to those with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s.

Other helpful resources for driving evaluation, alternative transportation, and more

• If you are concerned about the ability to drive safely, you can submit a Request for Driver Evaluation in many states. In Georgia, you can fill out a request form that you can access here.

• The AgeWise Connection, sponsored by the Atlanta Agency on Aging, offers helpful information about alternative Mobility and Transportation Options in the Atlanta area. Learn about them here. Other cities may have similar resources that you can find online.